From midnight to 4:30, I was watching Adventure Time and ever so slowly getting my things together. All packed up and ready to go, I depart at 4:50 and make my way to Hotel Holt (across the street) to get picked up there at 5:30. I was told to be there for 5. 5:30 comes and goes, then the concierge comes outside for a smoke. She asks me if I’m waiting for the bus. I responded with yes and it was supposed to be here 10-minutes ago. She asked my name and as soon as I said it she said that the bus was already here at 4:30. We go inside and she phones the bus company and says that I’m here now. I tell her to tell them that I was told that the 5:30 bus would be the best one to get and that’s what I bought. After she got off the phone, she told me that someone is coming to get me now and should be here in a few minutes.
It comes, I get picked up, get to the station for 6, jump on another bus, and get to the airport for 7. Checking in, flew right through security, and was sitting down with a cup of coffee waiting for my plane by 7:30. Just relaxing from the stressful morning, my boarding time was called and I get in line. Boarding the plane, I go to my seat. My gawd! These seats are amazing! Good thing I paid the extra money for choosing my own seat. The section I was in consisted of four rows, two seats on either side, and they were First Class seats in the Economy section! Amazing leg room, as comfy as a Lay-Z-Boy recliner. If you’re going to fly to Iceland, pay the extra money and get these seats.
We take off and as soon as I was able to, I started watching Guardians of the Galaxy. From beginning to the end of the credits, we arrived at Gatwick airport.
Walking through the airport and eventually getting to the passport check station, I handed over my passport and was asked pretty basic questions, then eventually started to become bombarded with all sorts of questions as soon as he found out that I was unemployed. I couldn’t get frustrated with him, he was doing his job, making sure that I wasn’t sneaking in and stealing jobs. In the end, after some telling him of my route and plans (and what it’s like in Canada), I finally had enough and said ‘Hold on for a second.’ I pulled out my phone and showed him my finances. I saw a little twitch from his eyebrows, even though he tried to keep his composure. He then said ‘Okay sir, I believe you. Go on ahead. Enjoy your trip.’ I didn’t really want to do that but it felt like it was the only way to prove my story.
Leaving the airport with my bag on my back, I begin walking towards my first place I’m going to be staying at here in England. I thought it was going to be a hour and a half walk at most. Nope! Google Maps tried to get me to walk down a Freeway, during lunch time at that too. Nope! I started walking in the general direction of the place, taking walking paths and roads left and right. In the end of it all, it was a 3-hour hike! Getting through the front door, I throw off my bag. Maybe a little too hasty than what I usually do but my back was killing me. Kick off my boots, grab a glass of water, down it, and get another, I sit down on the couch and relax. I almost fell asleep but I couldn’t because if I had, I wouldn’t be getting up again until late that night.
20-minutes pass by, I grab a shower and head back out. There was a shopping centre nearby that has an EE location where I can get a new SIM card. Just a 50-minute walk away. Easy as pie with no backpack.
Once arriving there, I instantly liked it. It was like a boardwalk of stores. Probably the size of a city block. Walking around, getting a cup of coffee, I eventually find the EE store. I pop in, get my SIM card, put it in the phone, all the while chatting with the store clerk. Nothing against Iceland but it felt GREAT talking to someone where English is their first-language. Afterwards, I walk around some more, contacting some people letting them know that I’m safe and sound. 6:00 rolls around and I’m dead tired. I pop into the bus station, buy a 10-ride transit pass, and go back to where I am staying.
Getting back to my lovely abode, did a load of much needed laundry, I lay down on the couch and try to update my website. What a bad idea laying down was! I passed out until 10:30. Hung my laundry and went to bed.